Thanks to the advancement of carbon fiber as a build material, bicycle components are reaching levels of strength never thought possible 10 or 20 years ago. So after testing their wheels by the industry standard, Mad Fiber decided that a new test was needed. Something that took into consideration the high level of strength and durability they want their wheels to be known for. For some time now the standard fatigue testing for wheels has involved a 130lb weight loaded onto a wheel while it rolls on a cleated drum at 20mph for 1000 miles. Mad Fiber wheels are still subjected to this test for validation, but to really test the wheels they took this test to the next level.
Their own test, which every wheel they sell is subjected to, is pretty amazing. See it in action after the break!
Mad Fiber’s take on the standard fatigue test not only ratchets the total vertical weight to 200lbs, but they throw in a 100lb side load for good measure. According to Mad Fiber, that is the equivalent of a 400 lb rider on the bike with a 30 degree lean angle, something that is outside of what the wheels will encounter in the real world. The test is run on every wheel that leaves the factory for 2.5 minutes. It doesn’t sound like much, until you see the video with the spokes going limp as they pass by the side load apparatus. After all of that the wheels are still perfectly true and strong. Pretty impressive.
For more on Mad Fiber’s wheel testing, check out their site.
